The American Legion is a strong supporter of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs across the country. Legion posts are urged to present medals available through American Legion Emblem Sales to the top JROTC and ROTC students in their area.

During the 2000 Spring Meetings, the Legion's National Executive Committee passed Resolution No. 20, which encourages Legion departments to establish Outstanding JROTC Cadet of the Year programs. And Resolution No. 11, passed during the 2006 Spring NEC Meetings, urges Legion departments, districts and posts to present American Legion ROTC medals to requesting colleges and high schools in their states.